Astro-Physics GTO Keypad Controller v.4.20 beta Main Page

Astro-Physics Keypad Firmware v. 4.20 beta

The Beta release of the next keypad version - v.4.20 - is now ready and available to members of the Yahoo ap-beta user's group. Version 4.20 represents a significant improvement over version 4.12. The improvements combine exciting new capabilities with whole new sets of astronomical data. Because of the new data and changes to how the existing data are stored it is imperative that BOTH the keypad program and the database firmware be loaded and installed at the same time. Version 4.20 keypad software will not function properly without the version 4.20 database and the v. 4.20 database will not work with earlier software versions. Because of this, we have developed a combination loader that will guide you through from start to finish. This is a departure from earlier versions where a keypad version could be upgraded without also upgrading the database.

The Yahoo ap-beta user's group is a vital part of our software development and testing proceedure. The group is open by invitation only. It is important that anyone wishing to try this new Keypad Firmware belongs to this group. The reason is quite simple: Although we make every effort to ensure that there are no bugs or other problems in this v.4.20 release, we might have missed something. The Yahoo ap-beta user's group provides a forum where many testers using a wide variety of equipment and pursuing a wide array of astronomical interests can compare notes, work through issues, and find creative solutions. It greatly streamlines our ability to identify, isolate and resolve any problems that may exist.

If you encounter a bug, problem or documentation error, check first with the Yahoo ap-beta user's group to see if the issue has already been discovered, discussed and (hopefully) resolved. If not, share your discovery with the group and we can all work together toward a resolution.
As members of the group, you will receive immediate notification of any fixes or new version updates to test.
The Yahoo ap-beta user's group is the best place for anyone to offer suggestions for improvements to the keypad firmware. If you have a great idea, now is the time to share it with us before the version is finalized and offered to the general public.
All support issues and questions regarding v.4.20 should be discussed in the Yahoo ap-beta user's group so that everyone will gain from the information. Please DO NOT call Astro-Physics with v.4.20 issues, and to avoid potential confusion, please DO NOT discuss issues related to v.4.20 on either the Yahoo ap-gto user's group or the Yahoo ap-ug user's group.

Keypad v4.20 beta program code with Database
Download Instructions:

Click on the firmware link below. The file must be downloaded to the drive of your choice. Make a note of where you stored the file so you can find it later.
Find the Keypad420_withDataLoader.exe file that you just downloaded. Click on it to run the installer program. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Upload Instructions: Uploading v4.20 beta with Database to Your Keypad. Please print these instructions for your reference.

Firmware: keypad420_withDataLoader.exe You will need the username and password

Manual: GTO Keypad version 4.20 Beta. It is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher. The manual is also a beta version. Please feel free to comment, offer suggestions, point out errors etc. to the Yahoo ap-beta user's group.

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Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847